Have you ever found yourself stuck in the predictable rhythm of daily life, wondering if there’s more to the seemingly ordinary moments we breeze through? Mostly Mundane by Saugata Chakraborty is a brilliant reminder that life, in all its monotony, can be full of humour and unexpected joy. This book brings to light those relatable instances we often overlook—infused with wit and charm. Saugata, currently a Deputy General Manager with the Reserve Bank of India, draws upon his rich career spanning currency management, human resources, and financial markets, lending authenticity to his stories. His experience with market intelligence and even his active association with the police in the Northeast during his RBI stint brings a sharp, observational quality to his writing.
Mostly Mundane is a collection of 19 short stories that reflect on everyday life’s intricacies. From the awkwardness of navigating small talk at social gatherings to pondering life’s big questions while waiting in line at the grocery store, Chakraborty captures the essence of being human with humour and heart. The stories are not overly dramatic or exaggerated—they find beauty in the trivial and joy in the unexpected. Much like his previous work, A Language of Lies, Saugata's skill lies in turning the ordinary into something worth celebrating. This book is perfect for those who enjoy a quick read after a long day, where each story offers a fresh, humorous take on life’s mundane moments. As the protagonist, Shantilal Biswas, perfectly shows us: “After all, sometimes understanding scams was just as valuable as understanding palms.” 🤭
Chakraborty’s writing style is a blend of humour and keen observation, drawing heavily from his vast professional experiences. His stories, like his work with financial crimes and frauds during his tenure as Market Intelligence Officer for RBI, are sharp, clever, and full of insight. The simplicity of his language makes this collection incredibly accessible, even for beginner readers. The stories feel like a conversation with an old friend who knows how to turn the most mundane observations into something hilarious and worth remembering. His ability to describe moments with precise detail is remarkable. For instance, “Anjali resplendent in a new Kanjivaram sari, patted down her meticulously arranged hair, the jasmine fragrance mingling with the aroma of sambar,” shows his attention to subtle, sensory details that elevate his storytelling.
The characters in Mostly Mundane are everyday people—your neighbours, colleagues, or even family members. They are brought to life with quirks and imperfections that make them feel real. Shantilal Biswas, the protagonist, is a standout. His life, peppered with amusing yet relatable challenges, offers a window into how we can all find humour in the little things. Another favourite of mine was Monty. His playful mischief and the irritation it cause Mrs. Kulkarni are described with such humour that you can’t help but chuckle. The cast of characters is grounded in reality, and that’s what makes them so endearing—they aren’t extraordinary, but they are relatable, making their adventures all the more entertaining.
The structure of Mostly Mundane is perfect for light, easy reading. Each story can be finished in one sitting, making it an ideal companion after a long day at work. Whether it’s a short commute or a quiet evening, Chakraborty’s pacing and humour are perfectly balanced to keep you engaged. His ability to frame life’s small moments, such as an awkward dinner party or an unexpected run-in with an old acquaintance, showcases his talent for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. The stories feel authentic, almost as if these events have happened in our own lives, which is why they resonate so deeply.
At its core, Mostly Mundane encourages us to embrace the chaos and imperfections of everyday life. Chakraborty’s background in handling complex, real-world situations such as financial crimes lends a layer of authenticity to the narratives, reminding us that even in our everyday routines, there’s something worth laughing about. The themes of imperfection, resilience, and finding humor in life’s unpredictability are beautifully woven throughout the book. Whether it's an awkward conversation or a simple family meal that goes hilariously wrong, these stories serve as a reminder that life’s best moments often come when we least expect them.
This book had me laughing, reflecting, and nodding in agreement throughout. Chakraborty’s ability to take the minutiae of daily life and turn it into something worth smiling about is truly a gift. He paints vivid pictures of moments we’ve all experienced but perhaps never thought to appreciate. The humour isn’t forced or exaggerated—it flows naturally from the situations, allowing readers to connect deeply with the stories. As someone who loves observing the little things in a narrative, I particularly enjoyed the nuanced descriptions scattered throughout the book. These small details make the stories come alive in unexpected ways.
One of the strengths of Mostly Mundane lies in Chakraborty’s ability to seamlessly weave humour with thoughtful observation. His vast career, ranging from financial expertise to addressing students and police academies across the Northeast, lends a diverse range of experiences to his writing. The book’s ability to appeal to both seasoned readers and beginners is another strength. It is simple, accessible, and relatable. The humour isn’t over-the-top, but rather it’s grounded in the subtle realities of life. The cover art beautifully complements the stories, providing a visual representation of the quirky, relatable characters within.
The only slight critique I might offer is that a few of the stories left me wanting more depth. Chakraborty’s gift for capturing moments could sometimes benefit from lingering a little longer on the emotional or psychological undercurrents of his characters. But this is a minor note in an otherwise delightful collection. After all, the book is meant to offer a light-hearted escape, and it does so successfully.
This is my second book by Saugata Chakraborty, the first being A Language of Lies, and I must say Mostly Mundane is a go-to book after a long day at the workplace. The protagonist, Shantilal Biswas, is brilliantly portrayed, but Monty, with his playful mischief and the humorous displeasure it brings Mrs. Kulkarni, was my second favourite. The story doesn’t feel artificial because these are events that could easily happen in everyday life. The nuances in writing, such as the description of Anjali’s sari and jasmine fragrance, made me appreciate the attention to detail. The language is simple, beginner-friendly, and the cover art visually represents the characters perfectly. 😊
Mostly Mundane is a wonderfully relatable and light-hearted book that finds joy in the routine and laughter in life’s small moments. Chakraborty’s sharp wit, informed by his career in India’s central bank, combined with his talent for storytelling, makes this collection a gem. Whether you’re looking for a quick read before bed or something to brighten your commute, this book will not disappoint. It’s the perfect reminder that, sometimes, understanding scams is just as valuable as understanding palms.
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